5 Ways Interactive Video Ads Drive Engagement
5 Ways Interactive Video Ads Drive Engagement
Interactive video ads are changing how brands capture attention, engage audiences, and drive action. Unlike static ads, interactive ads combine motion with user input, turning viewers into participants. In this article, we’ll explore five ways interactive video ads—powered by innovative formats like dragging, swiping, and tilting—can transform passive watching into active engagement.
Whether you’re looking to boost your basic video assets or enhance campaign performance by integrating new formats, these insights will show how Nexd’s layouts create meaningful connections with users.
This is an easy option to enhance or freshen up a standalone video creative by adding CTAs, overlays, hotspots and more.
1. Drag for Discovery: Uncover Content
Interactive ads featuring dragging motions let users explore products and stories in a playful way.
For example, users can drag their finger or cursor to reveal hidden video content, product details, or exclusive offers.
This method is perfect for:
- Highlighting features of complex products, like gadgets or cars or revealing before and afters.
- Creating a “treasure hunt” experience to pique curiosity.
- Personalizing interactions, with users controlling what they see.
Why it works: Dragging triggers curiosity and gives users a sense of control. It’s an active engagement that holds attention longer than passive viewing.
Nexd layouts that include a dragging motion are: Drag to Reveal, Tiles and Blinds.
2. Swipe to Explore: Build Journeys
Swiping is intuitive—it’s a natural gesture on mobile devices. With swipe-enabled video ads, users can browse through different product lines, styles, or scenes by simply swiping left or right. A video element can be added to a otherwise simple layout too boost its interactivity.
Great for:
- Showcasing product catalogs, like fashion collections.
- Narrating a multi-part story with videos.
- Allowing quick comparison of before-and-after transformations.
Why it works: Swiping turns the ad into a journey, creating a natural flow that invites users to continue exploring.
Nexd layouts that include a swiping motion are: Carousel, Slides and 3D Cube.
3. Tilt for Immersion: Engage Through Motion
Tilting ads utilize gyroscope sensors on mobile devices, allowing users to tilt their screens to navigate or uncover content.
For example, users can tilt their phones to explore 360-degree product views or move through immersive environments. NB! Gyrposcope sensors do not work on iPhones, use for ads displayed on Android devices only.
Ideal use cases:
- Real estate or 360-degree virtual tours.
- Travel campaigns that show the destination in an interactive way.
- Gamified ads where tilting controls the outcome.
Why it works: Tilting provides an immersive and sensory experience, making the interaction feel personal and fun.
Nexd layouts that include tilting (Android only!): VR Showroom and Floating Object.
4. Tap for Quick Actions: Boost Engagement
Tappable video ads create immediate connections by inviting users to take specific actions. Taps can reveal product details, play additional videos, or open external links seamlessly.
Perfect for:
- Encouraging users to “tap to shop” during product showcases.
- Driving signups or sales with limited-time offers.
- Making videos interactive by layering options on screen.
Why it works: Simple and direct, tapping lets users instantly engage with the content they care about most, boosting conversions.
Tapping motion is represented in ads with hotspots: Examples
5. Combine Gamification: Make Engagement Fun
Gamification isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a proven way to captivate users. Although gamification options are not part of our usual layouts, we offer custom builds to make a gamified ad happen according to your or your clients needs. This could include quizzes, challenges, or interactive mini-games.
Check out this article for the Top 10 Rich Media ad examples.
Try gamification for:
- Reward-based campaigns like unlocking discounts.
- Making users compete in score-based games tied to the product.
- Engaging audiences through interactive polls.
Why it works: Gamification turns ads into experiences. By challenging users or offering rewards, it creates emotional investment in the brand.
Check out some of the custom ads we have made here.
Want to know more about the benefits of interactive ads? Read here how they increase user engagement.
Why Choose Nexd for Interactive Video Ads?
Nexd’s ad platform makes it easy to create sustainable, high-performing ads that don’t compromise creativity. With WebGL-powered technology, even intricate layouts load quickly, delivering up to 50% lower CO₂ emissions compared to traditional ads. Our ads aren’t just engaging—they’re optimized for both performance and environmental responsibility. More stats from eMarketer to convince you here.
Final Thoughts
Interactive video ads are the future of programmatic advertising. By incorporating gestures like dragging, swiping, tilting, tapping, and gamification, brands can unlock unprecedented levels of engagement. With Nexd’s innovative tools, creating these interactive experiences is simple, sustainable, and effective.
Ready to boost your campaign performance? Start building interactive video ads today with Nexd and connect with your audience like never before!
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